The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its opposition to the proposed acquisition of G. Gay & Co, a three-unit chain of hardware stores in Ballarat, Victoria, by the Woolworths/Lowe’s retail joint venture.

Lowe’s and Woolworths, which plan to open 150 Australian home improvement stores in a joint venture, have announced a name and the location of the first unit this week. The first “Masters” store will open in September or October at Braybrook in Melbourne with a 13,500-sq.-meter outlet. It will contain a separate trade-only area dedicated to the building and professional industries.

Lowe’s and Woolworths, which plan to open 150 Australian home improvement stores in a joint venture, have announced a name and the location of the first unit this week. The first “Masters” store will open in September or October at Braybrook in Melbourne with a 13,500-sq.-meter outlet. It will contain a separate trade-only area dedicated to the building and professional industries.